There is an increasing incidence of Cancer among Alaska Natives. The Alaska Native Health Board has identified a need to educate communities about the disease. Inital work by health educators however, revealed that in many communities there is little or no recognition that lifestyle factors can play a major role in Cancer. For many communities Cancer is tied in closely with environmental problems. The constant discussion of the problems caused by the military and industrial operations in the Bush have led to an apparent mind set that all Cancer can be traced to factors external to a village. As a result, it is difficult to work with a community on lifestyle factors such as tobacco usage. This paper will present the results of the surveys that indicate the extent of the problem of misperceptions. It will then lay out some of the culturally appropriate methods that are being used to change these perceptions and thus begin the hard task of reducing the incidence of Cancer among rural Alaska Native populations.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1) Identify cultural and conceptual barriers to the understanding of Cancer as a disease. 2) Discuss possible solutions to overcome these barriers. 3) Recognize the importance of cultural perceptions and how that affects the prevention of disease
Keywords: Alaska Natives, Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Alaska Native Health Board
Alaska Native Medical Center
Southcentral Foundation
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.